In May of 2017, the Fluid Sealing Association (FSA) launched the “FSA KnowledgeBase” as their online database and primary method of disseminating industry knowledge. While this shift to digital has modernized access to the FSA’s hundreds of files containing content and best practices, recent review has indicated that accessibility could be improved. With that in mind, the FSA has embarked on a project to make all its content more visible and readily accessible.
What’s Changing?
Previous iterations of the FSA KnowledgeBase required signing up for a free member profile to access content. The intention of this was to understand the userbase better so content could be tailored to best fit who was using it, however, the sign-up process created a barrier to accessing content that discouraged users from signing up. Perhaps more detrimental, by publishing the FSA KnowledgeBase content contained in a members-only website, the information contained within was prevented from appearing in search engine results. Without visibility through search engines, all of the FSA’s content was effectively hidden from users who did not previously know of the FSA KnowledgeBase. If the mission of the FSA is to be the primary source of technical information for anything sealing related in the industry, it is critical that this information be easy to find and access.
In an effort to expand searchability and accessibility, the FSA KnowledgeBase has been moved to a web page that no longer requires a user login or member identification. Users will be able to access the FSA KnowledgeBase directly at fluidsealing.com/knowledgebase-resources, or by navigating from the FSA’s home page, fluidsealing.com. This change will now allow all the content in the FSA KnowledgeBase to be reached by any available search engines, improving the reach of this information in industry.
Content
Like the previous knowledgebase.org, the content will be developed and maintained by the four main groups that make up the FSA:
- Expansion joints
- Gaskets
- Mechanical seals
- Pump and valve packings
All of the previous information that has been created and shared by the FSA will be available, including the whole archive of “Sealing Sense” articles, which provide an invaluable resource for answering potential questions an end user might have when using sealing products.
With the website update, new content will also be available. For example, the mechanical seals division has created new seal support system trainings that are comprehensive, all-in-one informational presentations on piping plans. These trainings include information on what each piping plan is, what each piping plan is not, how to operate them appropriately, and a troubleshooting guide to diagnose issues with the seal or system.
A cost comparison guide for each piping plan was developed using the FSA’s Life Cycle Cost (LCC) calculator. Easy to read graphics were also created specifically for these guidelines to complement and enhance the users understanding of the content.
What’s Next?
With the new website live, the FSA will continue to create new and relevant content that best serves the industry and educates anyone looking to gain a better understanding of sealing products and how they are applied. The FSA will continue to solicit feedback to improve the website and shape content in order to be the definitive educational source for people in the sealing industry. We look forward to you visiting the new website and letting us know your valuable feedback.
We invite your suggestions for article topics as well as questions on sealing issues so we can better respond to the needs of the industry. Please direct your suggestions and questions to sealingsensequestions@fluidsealing.com.
